 |
The 2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is the most powerful SLK of all time. Its new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine featuring cylinder shutoff combines the ultimate in performance with the lowest possible fuel consumption. With a peak output of 415 hp and maximum torque of 398 lb-ft, the 2012 SLK55 AMG is poised to outperform all of its direct competitors. High-performance driving is ensured thanks to the AMG sports suspension with Direct-Steer system, Torque Vectoring Brakes and 3-stage ESP®, as well as the AMG high-performance braking system. The 2012 SLK55 AMG will arrive in U.S. showrooms in early 2012. New naturally aspirated eight-cylinder closely related to the V8 biturbo The new M152 is based on the AMG M157 5.5-liter V8 biturbo engine presented in 2010, which powers the E63 AMG, CLS63 AMG, S63 AMG and CL63 AMG. Numerous design features are identical, such as the displacement, bore/stroke, distance between cylinders, ECO stop/start system and direct gasoline injection technology. Distinguishing features versus the M157 include the new intake air ducting, new cylinder heads, the modified valve drive, an adapted oil supply system and an optimized crankcase. |
 |
All-aluminum crankcase with Silitec cylinder liners The crankcase of the new AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine features a diecast allaluminum construction. The low (dry) engine weight of just 412 lbs is the result of uncompromising lightweight construction methods. The bearing covers for the main crankshaft bearings are grey cast iron, and are bolted to the crankcase, as well as on the sides, for high rigidity. The piston rings are carbon-coated to minimize internal friction and reduce wear. Cast-in Silitec cylinder liners ensure low friction for the eight pistons. Unique "Spectacle" honing is another measure to reduce friction and therefore fuel consumption: in this sophisticated and complex process, the cylinder liners receive their mechanical surface treatment when already bolted in place. As honing would no longer be possible with the cylinder head installed, a jig resembling spectacles is bolted to the crankcase. The cylinder liners distort as if the cylinder head were in place, and are only then given their mechanical surface treatment. As a result, any static distortion of the cylinder liners caused by tightening the cylinder head bolts can be completely eliminated. |
 |
Effective emissions technology with new catalytic converter boxes Low exhaust emissions, compliance with country-specific standards and a characteristic engine sound - the requirements for the exhaust system of the new, naturally aspirated AMG 5.5-liter V8 engine were multiple and complex. The 2012 SLK55 AMG complies with the current Euro-5 emission standard, as well as meeting all the requirements of the US market (LEV-III standard, On- Board Diagnosis II). Air gap-insulated manifolds ensure a rapid catalytic converter response. For efficiency and to save space, this design has a tandem catalytic converter housing on each side of the vehicle: adjacent to the firewall, two thin-walled ceramic substrates are grouped into each housing. This setup makes the previous, additional underbody catalytic converters unnecessary. The two ceramic substrates differ to ensure rapid and efficient emissions control: the front one is coated with palladium, while the rear one has a bimetal coating of palladium and rhodium. One lambda sensor per row of cylinders is located in front of each catalytic converter housing, and there is a lambda diagnostic sensor between each of the two thin-walled substrates. |
 |
| Perfect combination: highly expressive driving style and comfortable cruising The AMG sports suspension with Torque Vectoring Brakes and AMG Direct- Steer system provides both impressive lateral dynamics as well as agile handling. Looking for a highly aggressive driving style or comfortable cruising? The new Mercedes-Benz SLK55 AMG is able to offer both. Independent suspension struts with stiffer spring/damper tuning, torque strut bearings on the front axle featuring higher rigidity, stiffer stabilizers at all four corners as well as a more negative camber on the rear axle result in high cornering speeds and low body roll in fast S-shaped bends. |
